by J.J. Tanner from the Dinner Club Mysteries
written by Linda Wiken
Labor Day weekend is coming up and even though as an event planner I’m usually tackling occasions of a larger scope, I’ve been asked by my good friend Michael Cole to plan a weekend family reunion.
Michael is the partner of Evan Thornton, the firm’s landlord, endearing friend, and co-foodie member in the Culinary Capers Dinner Club. They’ve been together for ten years and I predict it’s for a lifetime. However, back to the reunion. Michael’s family gets together every five years in a different part of the country. Last time round it was his aunt and uncle in Sacramento, CA who hosted. This time, Michael and Evan have sent out invitations to over one hundred family members to attend.
WOW. The Tanner clan would be lucky to get thirty. But I digress.
The plans so far include renting the Haver Farmstead just outside Burlington for the weekend. The main house sleeps twelve plus has spaces for sleeping bags. The acreage can handle umpteen numbers of tents and trailers, and several families are taking advantage of nearby hotels, inns and, bed and breakfasts.
Since people are coming from miles away, there won’t be any potluck happening here. They’ve all chipped in on food expenses and I’ve ordered the catering to cover the weekend.
Friday night is meet and greet which includes drinks and snacks. Saturday is the traditional treasure hunt and the three of us have had a lot of fun with the plans. A bonfire and fireworks finish off the day. And on Sunday, after a tasty brunch, everyone says their teary goodbyes and heads for home. While Michael, Evan and I collapse.
It’s been a lot of fun working on this. I find I’m enjoying planning the smaller parties, reunions, birthdays and anniversarys more fulfilling than large corporate events. The secret is in applying the same principles to them all and, in making sure to have fun while planning.
Do you have family plans for Labor Day weekend? Care to share? You could be the winner of a signed copy of Toasting Up Trouble. The random draw will be made tomorrow night at 8 EDT.
Visit Erika at www.erikachase.com
The first book in the Dinner Club Mystery series is now available at the bookstore of your choice, and on-line; also as an e-book.
Writing as Erika Chase:
Look for A KILLER READ, (#2 on the Barnes and Noble Mystery Bestseller List and an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Mystery), READ AND BURIED, COVER STORY, BOOK FAIR AND FOUL, and LAW AND AUTHOR on-line or at your favorite bookstore.
Visit Erika at www.erikachase.com
Love to hear from you on my Facebook author page
and
and
on Twitter @erika_chase.
Visit Linda at www.lindakwiken.com
at my Facebook author page and
on Twitter @LWiken
Visit Linda at www.lindakwiken.com
at my Facebook author page and
on Twitter @LWiken
Posts
As of right now, we don't have any plans for Labor Day, but that might change. Thank you for this chance. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Robyn!
DeleteI don't have any plans, really. Maybe I'll read.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Always a great idea, Jade!
Delete